Men's Fencing Season Preview

Nov 02, 2006

Nov. 2, 2006

Having lost only two serious contributors from last year, the Yale men's fencing team has high expectations. Led by eight seniors, the Bulldogs hope that they can, at least, improve upon last year's 4-12 record (0-5, Ivy). They return two of the three fencers from last year's team who had winning records and eight fencers who competed in at least 20 bouts. Complementing the returning veterans is a talented freshmen class that could provide tangible gains, especially to the foil squad.

Epee

The Bulldogs will rely on a very strong epee squad that did not graduate any starters. The squad returns sophomore star, Michael Pearce, who placed 5th at the 2006 NCAA Tournament. Pearce earned 15 victories at the tournament in Houston. With 90 touches scored and 76 received, he had a +14 indicator.

Senior John Beski also returns for his final campaign. Last year, Beski placed 18th at the NCAA Northeast Regionals and compiled a 29-18 overall record (6-6, Ivy).

The foil squad will certainly feel the loss of Corey Werk '06, who placed 13th last year at the NCAA tournament. But, the squad returns senior captain Michael Aboodi and will be benefited by the addition of freshmen Andrew Holbrook and John Gurrieri. The team has high aspirations for their two recruits and hope that they can help the foil squad more evenly reflect the performance of the epee squad.

After losing Christopher Sinay '06 and junior Matthew Chaiken, the sabre is the most uncertain of the Yale squads. Senior Christopher Peterson and junior Bradley Broadhead return to lead the way. Peterson posted a 10-11 record last year, which he looks to improve.